Dealing with Diabetes

Dear Linda:

My husband's been diagnosed with Adult Onset Diabetes. He's vowed to exercise at least 30 minutes a day and make changes in his diet, but I wondered if there's a way I can help.
Anne

Dear Anne:

       Your support and encouragement will be vital to your husband's success in making the lifestyle changes required to manage a lifelong disease that can result in heart, nerve and blood vessel damage, wounds, strokes, kidney failure, blindness and amputations.

       Type 2 (Adult Onset) diabetes develops when the pancreas can't produce enough insulin (aiding sugar to enter cells that supply energy) or when the body's tissues become insulin resistant, both resulting in unsafe blood sugar levels.

       Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes are itchy and hard-to-heal skin, tingling of hands and feet, and gum or urinary tract infections in addition to any Type 1 (Childhood Onset) indicators—extreme thirst, frequent urination, drowsiness, appetite and weight changes, vision problems, labored breathing and unconsciousness.

       After diagnosis, the physician should educate your husband about disease management and monitor his success in keeping blood sugar levels from going too low (hypoglycemia) or going too high (hyperglycemia). Consult also with an ophthalmologist for regular eye exams, a podiatrist for routine foot care, and a dietician for an approved diet and to learn day-to-day skills.

       Healthy eating, physical activity and blood glucose testing are crucial to disease management. Oral medication and insulin injections may also be necessary to control blood sugar levels. Contact the American Diabetes Association at 800-342-2383 with questions or to order their free information packet and their book The Complete Guide to Diabetes ($29.95). Visit www.askada@diabetes.org for other resources.

       Personal habits practiced over a lifetime are tough to break. You can help your husband by setting a good example for healthy living. Exercise with him. Suggest involvement in a sport or taking walks instead of watching television. Prepare meals that are tasty but low in sugar and fat. You will both benefit from these important lifestyle changes.